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04/20/2024 05:31:21 am

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Jackie Chan Becomes Singapore's Anti-Drug Ambassador

Jackie Chan

(Photo : REUTERS / Edgar Su) Jackie Chan at Nanyang Polytechnic

Martial artist and Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan has been appointed as Singapore's anti-drug ambassador and hopes that he gets to influence the youth to turn their backs on drugs.

Jackie Chan's son Jaycee completed his six-month jail sentence for drug use in Beijing earlier this year and has hurt his father personally and his reputation as an anti-drug ambassador. However, the action star remains extremely determined to urge young people to stay away from drugs and warn them of the damaging effects drugs can play in their lives.

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The 61-year old Rush Hour star attended the Thursday launch of a new anti-drug mobile game application at the Nanyang Polytechnic. Speaking in Mandarin, Jackie Chan candidly admitted that he never thought someone in his family would use drugs, and though he was angry and ashamed, the incident, he said, has made him even more determined to influence people and make them say no to drugs.

Addressing the people, Jackie Chan firmly said, "Do not ever think that you wouldn't be hooked."

Jackie Chan further explained that drugs can cause a domino effect which affects one's self, one's family and one's country.

The actor, who is also the anti-drug ambassador of China, recalled that his father once warned him about taking drugs, joining a gang and gambling. Jackie Chan admitted that he disobeyed his father and gambled but said that he learned his lesson the hard way when he lost all of his money and had to eat bread for a week.

Jackie Chan finished his speech as the students cheered on, by reminding them, "You must remember, don't take drugs, don't join a gang and don't gamble."

Mr. Masagos Zulkifli, a minister in Singapore's Prime Minister's Office and second minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs was also present at the event and gave his own speech to the students.

Mr. Masagos explained that each and every person has in important role to play in the fight against drug use and stressed the importance of raising awareness so the youth can always make the right choice. He shared that Jackie Chan immediately agreed when he asked for his help in his country's anti-drug efforts and added "I hope that he can inspire our youths to always say no to drugs."

Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau initiated a project involving anew game app called "Aversion," which was made possible by 12 NYP final-year students who developed it for nine months. Here, the players' goal is to avoid drugs while overcoming various obstacles.

In line with Jackie Chan and Singapore's goal, playing the said game will also educate young people on the effects drugs have on people.